How to know if my abortion was successful?

All women who have had successful abortions have also experienced vaginal bleeding in a higher or lower level (1). The average number of days on which a woman bleeds varies from study to study, but it is very likely that the woman bleeds during 1 to 3 weeks (18). Several women know if the abortion was complete, but we advise them to have an ultrasound to confirm.

Studies show that women are often able to distinguish whether they had a complete abortion without an ultrasound or medical observation. But, the fact is that cannot be entirely sure it was a success. The best option is getting the ultrasound 7 days after taking Misoprostol (Cytotec – 200mcg), given the fact that only 80% of abortions get completed after 5 days (27).

Ultrasound ensures that all tissue and other materials of pregnancy have left the woman’s body. A woman who has had a complete abortion should not have any symptoms of an incomplete miscarriage or infection, such as severe pain, heavy and prolonged bleeding or fever.